Paronella Park: Guided Tours & Night Walk Ticket

Summary

Rainforest castles, tunnels and stories at Paronella Park

You’ll wander rainforest castles at Paronella Park, follow guides through secret staircases and tunnels, and see waterfalls lit up after dark. Two guided tours are included with your admission ticket, plus time to explore gardens or relax at the café. It’s a place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You sort of blink and there it is — Paronella Park, tucked under this thick green canopy just outside Mena Creek. The air smells like wet earth and sugarcane. We’d driven down from Cairns (longer than I thought, but worth it), and the first thing I heard was the waterfall thundering behind those old stone arches. Our guide, Mark, waved us over with a grin — he’s lived here his whole life and knows every story about José Paronella’s wild plans for these castles in the jungle. He even pointed out a tree José planted himself; I tried to imagine him hauling saplings through all this heat.

The “Dream Continues” tour started slow — Mark told us about José arriving from Spain, how he wanted to build something magical for everyone. There are tunnels you can duck into (cool inside, almost damp), mossy bridges, fountains with water flicking onto your arms if you stand too close. At one point we stopped by a staircase hidden behind ferns; Mark said locals call it the “secret steps.” I probably wouldn’t have found it on my own. The park gives you a little booklet with plant names — I kept flipping through it but honestly got distracted by the giant butterflies everywhere.

We grabbed sandwiches at the café deck (not included in the ticket) and watched families feeding fish below. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for birds — felt like time paused for a bit. After sunset, we joined the “Darkness Falls” tour. Floodlights turned the waterfalls silver and made the old hydro generator hum back to life. It’s hard to explain but seeing Paronella Park at night is totally different — kind of eerie but peaceful too. I still think about that glow on the castle walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paronella Park day and night

• Arrive at Paronella Park
• Join Dream Continues guided tour
• Explore park on self-guided walk
• Enjoy meal at Café on the Deck
• Take Darkness Falls night tour

Top questions

How do I get to Paronella Park from Cairns?

Paronella Park is about 120km south of Cairns near Mena Creek; driving takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Are guided tours included in the admission ticket?

Yes, both “The Dream Continues” daytime tour and “Darkness Falls” night tour are included.

How long should I spend at Paronella Park?

A minimum of three hours is recommended to enjoy both tours and explore at your own pace.

Is Paronella Park wheelchair accessible?

The park is generally wheelchair accessible but some uneven surfaces may be challenging for certain visitors.

Can I eat at Paronella Park?

Yes, there’s an open-air café on site where you can buy food or bring your own lunch.

What’s special about visiting Paronella Park at night?

The “Darkness Falls” tour lets you see attractions lit by floodlights and experience a unique nighttime atmosphere.

Do I get a map or guidebook during my visit?

You’ll receive a 16-page booklet highlighting park flora; trees are also labeled throughout the grounds.

Is there parking available at Paronella Park?

Yes, parking is available onsite for visitors arriving by car or coach.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry tickets to Paronella Park along with both “The Dream Continues” guided day tour and the evening “Darkness Falls” walk led by local guides; you’ll also get a botanical guidebook to help spot unique plants as you explore on your own between tours.